"This is a nail-biter, white-knuckle experience qualifying here," said Gordon, who'll start second Saturday night in the Southern 500.

Matt Kenseth set a track record to win his first pole since 2005, his 179.514 mph eclipsing Greg Biffle's mark from a year ago. And Gordon marveled at Kenseth's record-setting performance at the track "Too Tough To Tame."

"You've got to push really hard. You've got to be committed," Gordon said. "This track is narrow. It's got a lot of grip, but the edge is right there. It's really easy to break loose."

That's what happened to Johnson, a two-time winner at Darlington. His No. 48 Chevrolet slid in turn two, the back end crunching the wall then the front side bounding into an interior wall and coming to a stop.

Johnson's crew ran out to help. He was taken the infield care center for evaluation and released a short time later.

Johnson said right before his lap, crew chief Chad Knaus' "final words were, 'Go like hell,' and off I went and didn't make it back."

Johnson qualified on owner's points and will start 42nd, his worst opening spot in 11 career Cup races at Darlington.